Flower morphologic anatomy and embryological characteristics in Chrysanthemum multicaule (Asteraceae)

Chrysanthemum multicaule is an annual herbaceous ornamental species. The inflorescence is gynomonoecious and consists of bisexual tubular florets and female ray florets. The pistils consist of two stigmas which are of the open type with a hollow stylar canal. At the base of the tubular floret style, the pistil is surrounded by oil gland cells. The anthers are tetrasporangiate and the young anther wall is composed of epidermis, endothecium, middle layer and tapetum. The mature anther wall comprises only thickened endothecium after the release of the pollens. In the tubular florets, simultaneous microsporocyte meiotic cytokinesis results in mostly tetrahedral with a small proportion of decussate tetrads. The mature pollen grain is tricellular. The ovules are unitegmic and tenuinucellate, and the nucellus degenerates during the development of the megasporocyte. The development of the embryo sac follows the Polygonum type. At 4–6 days after blooming, the embryos reached the globular stage, thereafter passing through the heart- and torpedo-shape stages before maturing into the cotyledon embryos. From blooming to seed maturity, it takes about 3–4 weeks under our conditions.     

Intergeneric hybridizations between Opisthopappus taihangensis and Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium

For the first time, reciprocal intergeneric hybridizations were produced between Opisthopappus taihangensis and Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium without emasculation. About 20% seed set was similarly obtained from reciprocal hybridization. Only 5 and 6 of the viable plants observed from 45 and 78 seedling survived present some conspicuous intermediate characteristics. Phenotypic evaluation among the progenies of the parents and the putative hybrids was performed carefully since an average of 5.3% seed set was produced in the type of self-pollination using pollen from the same flower and >10% seed set was similarly obtained in the types of self-pollination using pollen from different flowers in a plant and flowers in individual plants from different seeds. One individual of each hybrid shared the inflorescence habit with the pollen plant was confirmed further by the sequence of ncpGS. The two hybrids might be used as bridges of breeding of multi-generic hybrids.     

Modelling the effects of soil water potential on growth and quality of cut chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

A complete dynamic model was developed to describe the effects of soil water potential (WP) on the growth and external quality of standard cut chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) in order to optimise water management of greenhouse crops. Experiments using chrysanthemum cv. ‘Jinba’ with different planting dates and levels of water treatment were conducted in a lean-to type greenhouse from 2006 to 2008. The dynamics of leaf area index (LAI), dry matter partitioning, and external quality traits (plant height, number of leaves per plant, flower-head diameter and peduncle length) were first determined as functions of accumulated photothermal index (PTI). Impacts of WP on leaf photosynthetic rate, LAI, dry matter partitioning, and the external quality traits were quantified via introducing the experimentally identified effects of WP on the parameters in the light response curve of leaf photosynthetic rate and the PTI-based functions. These quantitative relationships were incorporated into a generic crop growth model SUCROS. Using independent experimental data, the model was found to give good predictions for biomass production, dry weight of organs, and the external quality traits of the chrysanthemum cultivar grown under different levels of water supply. The coefficient of determination (r²) between the predicted and measured results was 0.91 for LAI, 0.88 for biomass production, and varied between 0.83 and 0.93 for organ dry weight and the external quality traits. Further evaluation is needed when applying this model to a wider range.     

Effect of day and night temperatures during short photoperiods on growth and flowering of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat

The effect of day and night temperatures of 10, 14 and 18°C on growth and flowering under short days was studied with six cultivais of chrysanthemum. A high day temperature resulted in earlier flowering and taller stems, but did not influence flower number and final total fresh weight, and only slightly influenced the distribution of fresh matter over stem, leaves and flowers. A high night temperature resulted in earlier flowering, more flowers and reduced stem and leaf weight. It did not affect leaf number and it influenced height and total fresh weight only slightly. Except for height, the day temperature acted independently from the night temperature. The cultivars responded similarly, except for two cultivars which generally did not flower at 10/10,10/14 and 14/10°C D/N. One cul-tivar produced more flowers at 14 than at 18°C.     

Interactions of photoperiod,temperature, duration of short-day treatment and plant age on flowering of Fragaria x ananassa Duch. cv. Korona

The effects of photoperiod (10, 12, 16, 20 or 24 h), day-temperature (12, 15, 18, 24 or 30 °C), the number of short days (14, 21 or 28 days), plant age (4, 8 or 12 weeks) and their interactions on flower and inflorescence emergence were investigated in strawberry cv. Korona. No flowers emerged in plants exposed to photoperiods of 16, 20 or 24 h or to a short-day treatment for 14 days. All plants exposed to short days at daily photoperiods of 10 or 12 h for 21 days or longer, emerged flowers at temperatures between 12 and 18 °C. A further increase in temperature led to a drastic decrease in the total number of flowers per plant. A short-day treatment (10 or 12 h photoperiod) of 28 days resulted in highest numbers of inflorescences and flowers per plant, while a short-day treatment of 21 days resulted in the highest numbers of flowers per inflorescence. Complete flower induction was observed in only 4-week-old runner plants. The number of inflorescences and the number of flowers per inflorescence increased with plant age. However, the start of flowering was delayed with increasing plant age.     

The effects of temperature on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth of Pistacia spp.

The pollen germination and pollen tube growth among nine Pistacia genotypes was quantified in order to identify differences in the tolerance of pollen to temperature variations. The effect of temperature on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth was investigated in Pistacia vera (Uygur, Atli, Kaska, Sengel, Kavak), P. atlantica, P. khinjuk, P. terebinthus and P. palaestina. When pollen was incubated in a germination medium for 24 h in darkness, distinct differences were observed in pollen germination and pollen tube growth at different temperatures.     

Environmental control of growth and flowering of Rubus idaeus L. cv. Glen Ample

Environmental control of the annual growth cycle of ‘Glen Ample’ raspberry has been studied in order to facilitate crop manipulation for out-of-season production. Plants propagated from root buds were raised in long days (LD) at 21 °C and then exposed to different temperature and daylength conditions at varying ages. Shoot growth was monitored by weekly measurements and floral initiation by regular sampling and examination of axillary bud #5. Under natural summer daylight conditions at 60°N shoot growth was nearly doubled at 21 °C compared with 15 °C, while at 9 °C one half of the plants ceased growing and formed flower buds at midsummer. Developing shoots have a juvenile phase and could not be induced to flower before the 15-leaf stage. No significant reduction in induction requirements was found in larger plants. Plants exposed to natural light conditions from 10th August, had an immediate growth suppression at 9 and 12 °C with complete cessation after 4 weeks (by September 7). This coincided with the first appearance of floral primordia. At 15 °C both growth cessation and floral initiation occurred 2 weeks later (by September 21), while at 18 °C continuous growth with no floral initiation was maintained until early November when the photoperiod had fallen below 9 h. The critical photoperiod for growth cessation and floral initiation at 15 °C was 15 h. Plants exposed to 10-h photoperiods at 9 °C for 2–4 weeks had a transient growth suppression followed by resumed growth under subsequent high temperature and LD conditions, while exposure for 5 or 6 weeks resulted in complete growth cessation and dormancy induction. The critical induction period for floral initiation was 3 weeks although no transitional changes were visible in the bud before week 4. When exposed to inductive conditions for marginal periods of 3 or 4 weeks, an increasing proportion of the plants (20% and 67%, respectively), behaved as primocane flowering cultivars with recurrent growth and terminal flowering. It is concluded that growth cessation and floral initiation in raspberry are jointly controlled by low temperature and short day conditions and coincide in time as parallel outputs from the same internal induction mechanism.     

Rootstock influences the response of pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kerman) to water stress and rehydration

Pistachio cultivation requires the use of rootstock because grafting is the only form of vegetative propagation. The main commercial rootstocks are Pistacia integerrima L., Pistacia atlantica Desf., Pistacia terebinthus L. and Pistacia vera L. Pistachio is considered to be a drought and saline-resistant crop; however, there is little information describing varietal responses of rootstocks to water stress. Some studies have suggested that P. terebinthus L. is the most drought and cold resistant rootstock. The effect of the rootstock on the water relations of the grafted plant is crucial for improving crop performance under water stress conditions and for developing the best irrigation strategy. This work studied the physiological response to water stress of pistachio plants (P. vera L. cv. Kerman) grafted onto three different rootstocks P. terebinthus L., P. atlantica Desf. and a hybrid from crossbreeding P. atlantica Desf. × P. vera L. Plant physiological responses were evaluated during a cycle of drought and subsequent recovery in potted plants. Parameters measured were soil moisture, trunk diameter, leaf area, leaf number, leaf and stem dry weight, stem water potential, leaf stomatal conductance. The results showed different responses of cv. Kerman depending on the rootstock onto which it had been grafted. The hybrid rootstock was associated with a higher degree of stomatal control and reduced leaf senescence compared to P. atlantica and P. terebinthus, despite being associated with the most vigorous shoot growth. P. terebinthus enabled very effective stomatal control but was also associated with the most rapid leaf senescence. P. atlantica was associated with less vigorous shoot growth and similar levels of water stress as occurred with the others rootstocks under conditions of high evaporative demand, which was associated with lower stomatal control. The selection of the most effective rootstock choice for different environmental conditions is discussed.     

Effects of temperature and hydrogen peroxide on mycelial growth of eight Pleurotus strains

Effective use of hydrogen peroxide as a chemical sterilant in mushroom production and selection of cultivable mushroom strains for tropical conditions require knowledge of the genetic diversity in the tolerance of the strains to hydrogen peroxide and to high temperatures. Therefore, three experiments were conducted to examine the sensitivity of Pleurotus mycelium to temperature and hydrogen peroxide. In Experiment 1, eight Pleurotus strains, which included two Pleurotus sajor-caju strains, three Pleurotus ostreatus strains, Pleurotus salmoneo stramineus, Pleurotus cornicopae and Pleurotus eryngii were cultured aseptically on agar at 25, 30 and or 35 °C. In Experiment 2, the eight strains were cultured aseptically on agar at six hydrogen peroxide concentrations (0–0.1%, v/v) at 27 °C. In Experiment 3, P. sajor-caju strain 1, a fast growing strain, was cultured non-asceptically at six hydrogen peroxide concentrations (0–0.1%, v/v) at 27 °C. In Experiment 1, mycelial growth was maximal at 25–30 °C, whereas a temperature of 35 °C was detrimental to mycelial growth except in one strain. At the highest temperature tested (35 °C), the relative mycelial growth rate (% of maximum) ranged from 6 to 91%, indicating marked differences in tolerance of the strains to high temperature. In Experiment 2, the mycelial growth rate in all strains increased when hydrogen peroxide was increased from 0 to 0.001% (v/v), and then decreased with further increments in hydrogen peroxide concentration. The strains differed markedly in sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide concentration associated with 50% reduction in maximum mycelial growth rate due to toxicity (EC₅₀) ranged from 0.009 to 0.045% (v/v). It was noted that P. sajor-caju strain 1 which was the most tolerant strain to high temperature was also the most tolerant to high hydrogen peroxide concentration. In Experiment 3, involving non-aseptic culture of P. sajor-caju strain 1, bacterial growth was observed at concentrations ≤0.016%, whilst the upper hydrogen peroxide concentration limit for fungal growth was 0.025% (v/v). The highest hydrogen peroxide concentrations 0.016% (v/v) and 0.025% (v/v) in which bacteria and fungi, respectively, were observed to grow were within the concentration range 0.009–0.028% (v/v) that was found in Experiment 2 to cause a 50% reduction in mycelia growth in six of the eight Pleurotus strains tested. Use of hydrogen peroxide as a chemical sterilant in conjunction with strains highly tolerant of its toxicity offers a very cheap method of producing spawn as well as the mushrooms, and opens up opportunities for poor rural people.     

Identification of S-alleles in pear (Pyrus communis L.) cv. ‘Rocha’ and other European cultivars

In this work we report the cloning and identification of S-RNase alleles responsible for gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) of ‘Rocha’ pear and of 13 other European pear cultivars that might be used as its pollinators. Partial sequences of S-RNase alleles were amplified by PCR with specific primers hybridising in conserved regions of previously identified S-RNase alleles of Pyrus communis, cloned and sequenced and the S-genotype of eight pear cultivars was fully determined. Three cultivars (‘General Léclerc’ (SqSl), ‘Tosca’ (SbSl) and ‘Alexandrine Douillard’ (SbSk)) shared no S-alleles with ‘Rocha’ (SaSe) and shall be totally compatible with this cultivar. None of the cultivars analysed showed an identical amplification pattern to the one observed in ‘Rocha’, so the other cultivars shall be at least semi-compatible. One new allele was identified in P. communis cv. ‘Beurré d’Avril’ (designated as St). The determination of both S-RNase alleles of cvs ‘Rocha’, ‘Beurré Precoce Morettini’ (SeSk) and ‘Tosca’ and the identification of one S-RNase allele in cvs ‘Carapinheira’ (Sb), ‘Amêndoa’ (Se), ‘Pérola’ (Sk) and ‘Beurré d’Avril’ (St) are important contributions for the effort recently developed worldwide to establish groups of sexual compatibility among European pears.     

Variation in nutrition along time and relative chlorophyll content of Leucospermum cordifolium cv. ‘High Gold’, and their relationship with chlorotic sypmptoms

Foliar samples, SPAD-502 measurements (both along the growing season), and soil samples were taken from protea plants (Leucospermum cordifolium), cultivar ‘High Gold’ cultivated in six commercial plantations of La Palma Island (Canarian Archipelago). Soil data (pH, available P, Ca, Mg, K and Na, and EC) ranged within normal levels for proteas, though O.M. was high. Drainage decreased the potential problem that could be caused by the high clay content of the soils. Leaves showed high concentrations of N, K, Mg, and Na, while Ca and Cu were normal. On the other hand, Fe and Zn presented some low foliar levels, while Mn values fluctuated depending upon the different plantations. N contents were higher in spring, and those of K, Ca, Mg, and Na increased with time. Relative chlorophyll contents (SPAD-502 measurements) were compared with macro- (N, P, Na, K, Ca, Mg) and micro- (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) foliar levels. Results showed no positive correlation between leaf chlorophyll and N content. Higher leaf N concentrations were observed in chlorophyll deficient than chlorophyll sufficient leaves at one site and vice versa at another site. In contrast, lower Mn, Fe and Ca concentrations, the last corresponding with higher ratios of N/Ca were observed in chlorophyll deficient than chlorophyll sufficient leaves at several sites. It is concluded that amendment of soils with Mn, Fe and Ca may prevent the development of chlorophyll deficiency symptoms, associated with diminished photosynthetic capacity, in this important commercial cultivar.     

Photosynthetic and growth responses of juvenile Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) and Caisin (Brassica rapa subsp. parachinensis) to waterlogging and water deficit

Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) and Caisin (Brassica rapa subsp. parachinensis) are leafy vegetable crops grown in south-east Asian countries where rainfall varies dramatically from excess to deficit within and between seasons. We investigated the physiological and growth responses of these plants to waterlogging and water deficit in a controlled experiment in a glasshouse. Juvenile plants were subjected to waterlogging or water deficit for 19 days in case of Chinese kale and 14 days in case of Caisin and compared with well-watered controls. Caisin tolerated waterlogging better than Chinese kale because it produced hypocotyl roots and gas spaces developed at the stem base. In Chinese kale, waterlogging reduced plant fresh weight (90%), leaf area (86%), dry weight (80%) and leaf number (38%). In contrast, waterlogging had no impact on leaf number in Caisin and reduced plant fresh and dry weights and leaf area by 60–70%. Water deficit reduced leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight of both species by more than half. Leaf number in Chinese kale was reduced by 38% but no effect occurred in Caisin. Water deficit increased the concentration of nitrogen in the leaf dry matter by more than 60% in both species and the leaf colour of water deficient plants was dark green compared with the leaf colour of well-watered plants. Soil water deficit delayed flowering of Caisin while waterlogging accelerated it. Thickening and whitening of the cuticle on the leaves of Chinese kale probably increased its ability to retain water under drought while Caisin adjusted osmotically and Chinese kale did not. Waterlogging and water deficit had strong effects on leaf gas exchange of both Brassica species. Water deficit closed the stomata in both species and this was associated with a leaf water content of 9 g g⁻¹ DW. In contrast, waterlogging reduced conductance from 1.0 to 0.1 mol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹ in direct proportion to changes in leaf water content, which fell from 11 to 5 g g⁻¹ DW. This separation of the effects of water deficit and waterlogging on conductance was reflected in transpiration, internal CO₂ concentration and net photosynthesis. In conclusion, Chinese kale and Caisin showed rather different adaptations in response to waterlogging and water deficit. Caisin was more tolerant of waterlogging than Chinese kale and also showed evidence of tolerance of drought. There is genetic variation to waterlogging within the Brassica genus among the leafy vegetables that could be used for cultivar improvement.     

High frequency plant regeneration from microspore-derived embryos of ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala)

The aim of this work was to study the effect of solid medium, developmental stage, embryonic age, cold treatment and additives to the medium on plant regeneration from microspore-derived embryos in four F₁ hybrids of ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala). The results showed that all of the cultivars responded best when the embryos were cultured in solidified B5 medium with 1% agar. Optimal regeneration was gained when cotyledonary embryos were cultured for 25 days. Cold treatment significantly improved plant regeneration with a frequency of up to 79.0% under 4 °C for 2 d or 5 d. The addition of 3.0 or 5.0 mg/L silver nitrate (AgNO₃) increased the frequency of plant regeneration. In the Zhouyehongxin cultivar, the frequency of plantlet development reached 84.4%. The addition of activated charcoal reduced embryo hyperhydricity.     

Night interruption promotes vegetative growth and flowering of Cymbidium

The effects of night interruption (NI) were examined on the vegetative growth and flowering of Cymbidium ‘Red Fire’ and ‘Yokihi’. Plants were grown under 9/15 h ambient light/dark (control), 9 h ambient light plus night interruption (22:00–02:00 h) with low light intensity at 3–7 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (LNI) and 9 h ambient light plus NI with high light intensity at 120 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (HNI) conditions. The number of leaves, leaf length, number of pseudobulbs and pseudobulb diameter increased in both LNI and HNI compared to controls for both cultivars. While none of the control plants flowered within 2 years, 100% of the ‘Yokihi’ and 80% of the ‘Red Fire’ plants grown under HNI condition flowered. In the LNI group, 60% of the plants flowered in both cultivars. Plants in the HNI group showed a decreased time to visible inflorescence and flowering than those in the LNI group. The number of inflorescences and florets were greater in the plants grown under HNI than those in the LNI group. The tallest plants at flowering were in the HNI group in both cultivars. NI with low light intensity can be used effectively to promote flower induction with increased growth rate during the juvenile stage in Cymbidium. To obtain high quality plants, however, NI with high light intensity strategies should be considered.     

Effects of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on yield,growth and nutrient contents in organically growing raspberry

During 2003 and 2005, plant growth promoting effects of two Bacillus strains OSU-142 (N₂-fixing) and M3 (N₂-fixing and phosphate solubilizing) were tested alone or in combinations on organically grown primocane fruiting raspberry (cv. Heritage) plants in terms of yield, growth, nutrient composition of leaves and variation of soil nutrient element composition in the province of Erzurum, Turkey. The results showed that Bacillus M3 treatment stimulated plant growth and resulted in significant yield increase. Inoculation of raspberry plant roots and rhizosphere with M3 and/or OSU-142 + M3, significantly increased yield (33.9% and 74.9%), cane length (13.6% and 15.0%), number of cluster per cane (25.4% and 28.7%) and number of berries per cane (25.1% and 36.0%) compared with the control, respectively. In addition, N, P and Ca contents of raspberry leaves with OSU-142 + M3 treatment, and Fe and Mn contents of the leaves of raspberry with M3 and OSU-142 + M3 applications significantly improved under organic growing conditions. Bacterial applications also significantly effected soil total N, available P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn contents and pH. Available P contents in soil was determined to be increased from 1.55 kg P₂O₅/da at the beginning of the study to 2.83 kg P₂O₅/da by OSU-142, to 5.36 kg P₂O₅/da by M3 and to 4.71 kg P₂O₅/da by OSU-142 + M3 treatments. The results of this study suggest that Bacillus M3 alone or in combination with Bacillus OSU-142 have the potential to increase the yield, growth and nutrition of raspberry plant under organic growing conditions.     

Bio-efficiency of compost extracts on the wet rot incidence,morphological and physiological growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [(L.) Moench])

An experiment was carried out to investigate the efficacy of rice straw and empty fruit bunch (EFB) of oil palm compost extracts either fortified or unfortified with Trichoderma harzianum on morpho-physiological growth and occurrence of Choanephora wet rot of okra. Treatments tested were water (control) (T1), rice straw (RST) compost extract (T2), Trichoderma-enriched RST compost extract (T3), empty fruit bunch of oil palm compost extract (T4), Trichoderma-enriched EFB compost extract (T5), aqueous suspension of Trichoderma (T6), and a fungicide Dithane M-45^® (2 g l⁻¹ of water) (T7). The experimental results revealed significant variations amongst the treatments in respect of morphological characters, e.g. shoot length, tap root length, number of leaves per plant, and leaf area. The shoot and tap root length, number of leaves per plant, leaf area were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in Trichoderma-enriched RST compost extracts (T3) followed by Dithane M-45^® (T7), Trichoderma-enriched EFB extracts (T5), RST (T2), EFB (T4) and aqueous suspension of T. harzianum (T6) in both Choanephora inoculated and uninoculated (control) plots. Similarly, net photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content were higher in plants receiving Trichoderma-enriched RST compost extracts (T3) with 76.2% reduction in Choanephora wet rot incidence when compared with rest of the treatments. These experimental results revealed that morpho-physiological characters of okra could be modified by the application of Trichoderma-enriched compost extracts. This suggests that use of Trichoderma-enriched compost extracts would be more beneficial in environmentally friendly okra cultivation and may be used as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers/fungicides to enhance plant growth and reduce disease incidence subsequently, resulting in higher yield.     

Genetic transformation of Citrus sinensis cv. Hamlin with hrpN gene from Erwinia amylovora and evaluation of the transgenic lines for resistance to citrus canker

Transgenic Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. cv. Hamlin plants expressing the hrpN gene were obtained by Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Smith and Towns) Conn-mediated transformation. hrpN encodes a harpin protein, which elicits the hypersensitive response and systemic acquired resistance in plants. The gene construct consisted of gst1, a pathogen-inducible promoter, a signal peptide for protein secretion to the apoplast, the selection genes nptII or aacC1 and the Nos terminator. The function of gst1 in citrus was evaluated in transgenic C. sinensis cv. Valencia harboring the reporter gene uidA (gus) driven by this promoter. Histochemical analysis for gus revealed that gst1 is activated in citrus leaves by both wounding and inoculation with Xanthomonas axonopodis Starr and Garces pv. citri (Hasse) Vauterin et al. Genetic transformation was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization in eight cv. Hamlin acclimatized plants. RT-PCR confirmed hrpN gene expression in seven cv. Hamlin transgenic lines before pathogen inoculation. Some hrpN transgenic lines showed severe leaf curling and abnormal growth. Six hrpN transgenic lines were propagated and evaluated for susceptibility to X. axonopodis pv. citri. RT-PCR confirmed gene expression in all six hrpN transgenic lines after pathogen inoculation. Several of the hrpN transgenic lines showed reduction in susceptibility to citrus canker as compared with non-transgenic plants. One hrpN transgenic line exhibited normal vegetative development and displayed very high resistance to the pathogen, estimated as up to 79% reduction in disease severity. This is the first report of genetic transformation of citrus using a pathogen-inducible promoter and the hrpN gene. Further evaluations of the transgenic plants under field conditions are planned. Nevertheless, the evidence to date suggests that the hrpN gene reduces the susceptibility of citrus plants to the canker disease.